About ASCE

The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 160,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest national civil engineering society.

ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society’s economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment.

Through the expertise of its active membership, ASCE is a leading provider of technical and professional conferences and continuing education, the world’s largest publisher of civil engineering content, and an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public.

The Society advances civil engineering technical specialties through nine dynamic institutes and leads with its many professional- and public-focused programs.

Internal ASCE staff positions available

Join the team supporting the people and profession that build our world.

ASCE Strategic Plan 2023-2028

Approved by the Board of Direction in October 2022, ASCE’s new strategic plan encompasses significant shifts in the profession and around the world since the previous plan. It also highlights ASCE’s role as a top leader in infrastructure development.

Our vision Engineered and natural systems work in harmony for the benefit of humanity Our mission

Lead the civil engineering profession to sustainably advance and protect the health, safety and welfare of all.

Commitment to our members

Inspire, connect, and serve our global membership to maximize their professional and personal growth and magnify their lifelong professional impact.

Strategic shifts

  1. Innovate. Define and drive creative development and renewal of future-ready infrastructure.
  2. Advocate. Promote and facilitate civil engineering leadership in developing equitable solutions to global challenges.
  3. Inspire. Energize and cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and engaged civil engineering community.
  4. Stimulate. Accelerate development and adoption of emerging technologies, analytics, and systems thinking.
  5. Magnify. Amplify our collective impact through a vibrant, engaged, and growing membership.
  6. Deliver. Effectively manage our resources to provide exceptional value to members.

The ASCE Strategic Plan (PDF) details each goal and includes strategies.

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History

On Nov. 5, 1852, a dozen eminent civil engineers gathered at the Croton Aqueduct in New York City, in the office of Chief Engineer Alfred W. Craven, to establish the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects. In 1868, a few years after architects had formed a professional society of their own, ASCE adopted its current name. For the first 144 years of its existence, ASCE maintained its headquarters in New York City, relocating six times to progressively larger facilities. In 1996, ASCE moved its global headquarters to Reston, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.

The Society and its members abide by a set of governing documents.

First adopted in 1914, the ASCE Code of Ethics is the model for professional conduct for ASCE members.

The Official Register provides ready access to governing documents, statistics, and general information about ASCE for leadership, members, and staff.

ASCE By the Numbers - a concept photo with engineering-themed scenes and objects including a flying car and modern buildings.

2023 Report now available

Annual Report

The ASCE Annual Report provides a look at the highlights of the Society's efforts for the year.

Leadership

The Society is led by the Board of Direction which has fiduciary, legal and strategic responsibilities. The board focuses on continuous strategic planning, determines desired outcomes, develops and approves policy imperatives to guide operations, and ensures the Society uses these policies to work toward meeting its vision and fulfilling its mission.

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